Med errors

[Trixie01]

I have been a nurse for 2 years. I know alot of us have made our share of med errors. How does this affect our jobs? Meaning is there a set limit and then you get suspended or have the State boards revoke your license? Or, Is it up to the manager you are under? Does it depend on the level of harm done? I never got a write up for mine. 2 my first year, and one after that. but it was mentioned as a performance improvement on my review. just basically reminding me of the "5 rights" kind of thing. But I have heard of nurses who got suspended or fired after 1 !! I don't know if this varies state by state? In NC, we are required to fill out an incident report, but it says on there that it is not to be used in a punitive manner against the responder. I almost wish it was more clearly defined as to what will happen, after so many etc... so at least people will know what to expect. Obviously if its bad enough, they have to act. But with minor mistakes, it seems they are and can be used against you if management decides it wants to. Again, safety is a big issue. But this seems unfair. I know some Rns who have made many, and not one thing shows up on their file, others get beaten to death over 1. Surely there is a better and safer way to deal with this! Any managers out there who have insight on this matter? Just wondering?

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Y'all you have to FORGET about grains, drams, minims etc. FORGET.

That's the way to get the correct order from the doc in order to give the correct dose to the correct patient. You make a med error and try telling the board......uhhhh I THOUGHT a grain was......so I......uh figured.......uhhhhh

Drop the apothecary system like a lead balloon! Send it packing, don't GO there.